Fantasy Baseball Closer Report
Fantasy Baseball Closer
Rankings
13. Huston
Street - Athletics - 2008 Preview:
At 24 Street can still take a step and become one of the best closers
in major league baseball. His problem has been injuries and he missed
significant tim in 2007. The Athletics always have a moderate scoring,
competitive team which is perfect for fantasy closers. If he is
healthy, he is a top 5-8 closer.
2007 Statistics:
16 SV's - 5-2 - 2.88 ERA - 63 K's - 50 IP.
2008 Projection: 35
SV's - 3-2 - 2.68 ERA - 73 K's - 64 IP.
Back-up: Alan Embree - Keith Foulke
14. Brad
Lidge - Phillies - 2008 Preview:
A move out of Houston is exactly what Lidge needs. The one-time
fantsay stud has been eratic over the couple last years, but also
showed signs of settling in as a good closer again by picking
up 19 saves in the second half of the season and maintaining a
stellar 11.82 k-ratio . The Philies are simply a different and
it is amazing how that can help a closer sometimes. The Phillies
are also winners and Lidge could get enough save chances to become
a top-ten closer in '08.
2007 Statistics:
19 SV's - 5-3 - 3.36 ERA - 88 K's - 67 IP.
2008 Projection:
40 SV's - 3-4 - 2.88 ERA - 95 K's - 73 IP.
Back-up: Tom Gordon
15. Kerry
Wood - Cubs - 2008 Preview:
Wood has the perfect tools to be a closer, but he can't crack
the top twenty because he has never closed before and his history
of injuries. While he has the potential to crack the top ten by
season's-end, he could also be out of a job in the first half.
A good late-round pick. He should have an excellent k-ratio.
2007 Statistics:
0 SV's - 1-1 - 3.33 ERA - 24 K's - 24.1 IP.
2008 Projection:
33 SV's - 1-3 - 2.69 ERA - 65 K's - 58 IP.
Back-up: Carlos Mármol
16. Joakim
Soria - Royals - 2008 Preview:
He took over the Royal's closing role and was excellent. The Royals
do not win enough to give Soria a better ranking, but he seems
to be the real deal. He has a k-ratio above 9.
2007 Statistics:
17 SV's - 2-3 - 2.48 ERA - 75 K's - 69 IP.
2008 Projection:
35 SV's - 2-4 - 2.88 ERA - 82 K's - 73 IP.
Back-up: Leo Nuñez - Jimmy Gobble(L)
The veteran has surprised all with a great start. The question is,
will it last?
2007 Statistics:
3 SV's - 2-0 - 2.36 ERA - 66 K's - 45.2 IP.
2008 Projection: 15
SV's - 2-4 - 3.75 ERA - 67 K's - 52 IP.
Back-up: Chad Bradford
The one-time closing ace is back, but can he return to form? Well,
he looked great as a set-up pitcher for St. Louis in 2007, but hasn't
closed since early 2005 with the Tigers. The Rays should have a
very good young team which includes plenty of good young pitching,
so the saves chances should be there for him if he can remain healthy.
2007 Statistics:
0 SV's - 3-0 - 1.80 ERA - 36 K's - 40 IP.
2008 Projection: 32
SV's - 2-3 - 2.67 ERA - 59 K's - 63 IP.
Back-up: Dan Wheeler - Now Closing
19. Brandon
Lyon - Diamondbacks - 2008 Preview:
The Arizona Closing job should be one of the most coveted, but with
Lyon at the helm, it is not. Lyon is not your typical closer, though
he is solid. In addition, he has a very low k-ratio. Watch for Tony
Pena if Lyon falters.
2007 Statistics:
2 SV's - 6-4 - 2.68 ERA - 40 K's - 74 IP.
2008 Projection: 21
SV's - 3-2 - 3.07 ERA - 39 K's - 69 IP.
Back-up: Chad Qualls - Tony Pena
20. Brian
Wilson - Giants - 2008 Preview:
He grabbed the spot late in 2007 and did a good job nailing 6 out
of 7 saves. He is just 26 and has very little experience so he is
a big gamble, but the Giants should have a good number of save chances
for whoever is closing in San Francisco.
2007 Statistics:
6 SV's - 1-2 - 2.28 ERA - 18 K's - 23.2 IP.
2008 Projection: 32
SV's - 2-3 - 2.78 ERA - 62 K's - 70 IP.
Back-up: Tyler Walker - Brad Hennessey
21. C.J.
Wilson - Rangers - 2008 Preview:
He is a lefty, which as a closer should always concern an owner
because they are usually set-up pitchers. Nevertheless the job is
his.
2007 Statistics:
12 SV's - 2-1 - 3.03 ERA - 63 K's - 68.1 IP.
2008 Projection: 28
SV's - 2-2 - 3.19 ERA - 65 K's - 68 IP.
Back-up: Joaquín Benoit
22. Brian
Fuentes - Rockies - 2008 Update:
Fuentes has taken over as closer and seems to be pitching well.
2007 Statistics:
20 SV's - 3-5 - 3.08 ERA - 56 K's - 61.1 IP.
2008 Statistics: 1
SV - 0-1 - 2.68 ERA - 10 K's - 12 IP.
Back-up: Manny Corpas
Next
Back
